Tennessee football's star running backDeSean Bishop showed his support for teammate Arion Carter after the Vols linebacker was hit with a two-game suspension by the NCAA for accepting a $427 flight from his agent while going through the NFL draft process last winter.
Bishop shared a statement on Instagram on July 31 and tagged it with #STANDFORAC. He called for a closer review of the circumstances that led to Carter's suspension.
"While eligibility matters are handled through established processes, my focus today is simply on supporting a teammate who has worked tirelessly for this opportunity. I believe in Arion as a person, a leader, and a competitor," Bishop said. "I also trust that those responsible for reviewing his situation will carefully
consider all of the facts and circumstances involved."
"As a team, we will continue to stand beside him, pray for him, and encourage him through this process," Bishop added. "Our faith reminds us that challenges do not define us; they strengthen us, shape us, and provide opportunities to demonstrate perseverance and character."
The NCAA originally handed Carter a three-game suspension, which Tennessee appealed and got knocked down to two games, because his agent in January paid for a flight to a training site ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Carter suffered an injury to his foot and opted to withdraw from the draft and return to Tennessee, so he repaid his agent for the flight and terminated his contract with the agent.
Carter, a 2026 preseason All-SEC third-team selection, logged 76 total tackles and six tackles for loss a season ago. He will serve his suspension in Tennessee's first two games of the season against Furman and Georgia Tech.
Vols coach Josh Heupel released a statement on July 29, saying Tennessee disagreed with the ruling handed down by the NCAA.
"Our team stands behind AC and his family, and we can’t wait to be on the field with him during training camp next week," Heupel said.
Stephen Thompson covers Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball. Email him at stephen.thompson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @stephenethom.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee RB DeSean Bishop addresses Arion Carter suspension with show of support
